The New Grad's Survival Guide

By Laura Morsch, CareerBuilder.com

Congratulations! You got your diploma, aced the interview and
landed a job offer... now what?

Starting your first real job is an exciting
and challenging experience, and every new graduate could use a
little guidance. Susan Morem, author of 101 Tips for
Graduates (Checkmark Books), offers these 15 crucial tips
to help new grads survive those first gut-wrenching months on
the job:

1. Get a makeover.
Student fashion is "out" in the office. Low-rise jeans and
hoodies were practically your uniform in college, but a
professional image is crucial while you're establishing
yourself at work. Get acquainted with your company dress code
and buy a few basic pieces to get you started. Then, continue
to build your work wardrobe a few pieces at a time, buying the
highest quality clothing you can afford.

2. First impressions make lasting impressions.
When you first walk into the office, everyone you meet will be
silently evaluating you. Looking sloppy, inappropriate,
disorganized or excessively nervous will give the impression
you are incapable or apathetic. So dress to impress, carry
yourself well and be friendly and courteous to everyone you
meet.

3. Get rid of the chewing gum.
Chewing gum is unprofessional and unappealing whether you're
in a meeting or helping a customer. While you're at it, avoid
nervous fidgeting, don't pick your nose and stop tapping your
pen on the desk.

4. Ask questions.
Don't assume anything. Hiring managers say not asking
questions is one of the top mistakes new grads make during
their first 90 days on the job, according to a recent
CareerBuilder.com survey. Whether you're confused about an
assignment, the company dress code or holiday party etiquette,
just ask -- you might avoid an embarrassing mistake.

5. Be willing to make the coffee.
Even if housekeeping chores aren't listed in your job
description, you will be expected to do them from time to time.
If you use the last sheet of paper in the copy machine, refill
the tray, and if you drink the last drop of coffee, make
another pot. These tasks are not demeaning -- and if you refuse
to do them, others may resent you for your refusal to pitch in
around the office.

6. Timing is everything.
Be on time. If a meeting starts at 10 a.m., be there and ready
to start at 10 sharp. Traffic delays and bad weather are no
excuse -- you should always plan ahead, even if it means
arriving a little earlier. Likewise, if you promise to get back
to someone by the end of the day, do it.

7. Don't procrastinate.
It's common to want to push back starting a difficult or
unpleasant task. But procrastinating can mean you run out of
time to finish a project or do a careless job. When faced with
a large project, block off a chunk of time to work on it,
ensuring you have time to get it done. Then, break it down into
smaller, more manageable tasks.

8. Under-promise and over-deliver.
If you tell your boss you'll have a project finished by Friday
when you're already overextended, you could wind up doing a
poor job on your assignment or missing your deadline. Instead,
Morem suggests over-delivering -- or setting a more reasonable
deadline and working hard to finish ahead of schedule.

9. Proofread every document.
Proofread all your e-mails, memos and letters before sending
them, checking your work for accuracy, spelling and errors.
Carelessness can cost you time and embarrassment later
on.

10. The company party is not a party.
Office happy hours and the company holiday party are a far cry
from college keggers. Think of company social functions as an
extension of your office -- your behavior is still being
closely watched. Always dress professionally, be on time, be
friendly and think before you drink.

11. Show up for events.
Your presence matters.Show you care about your co-workers by
celebrating with them and grieving with them. Make an effort to
attend weddings, baby showers, and retirement and birthday
parties. And if a co-worker experiences a tragedy, offer your
condolences.

12. Go to work every day as if it were the first
day.
On your first day of work, you're excited, impeccably dressed,
friendly and eager to take on any challenge. But sooner or
later that excitement will fade. This feeling is normal, but
never forget how hard you worked to get where you are, and try
and adjust your attitude to give your all every day.

13. Just say NO.
Turning someone down can be tough -- and even tougher when
it's your boss or co-worker. But saying no can be crucial,
especially in situations where your boundaries are being
tested. Morem suggests when put into a difficult situation:
Consider your options, get the facts, take time to think, make
a decision and then stand by it!

14. Always have your business card with you.
You never know where you might meet your next client, contact
or employer. Therefore, you should always carry your business
card in your purse or wallet. That way, when you meet someone
important in line at the supermarket, you'll always be
prepared.

15. Don't take rejection personally.
Every successful person has been rejected, Morem writes, and
some more than once. When it happens to you, remember to put
things in perspective. Rejection hurts, but it happens, and
setbacks can provide some of life's most valuable
lessons.

Laura Morsch is a writer for CareerBuilder.com. She
researches and writes about job search strategy, career
management, hiring trends and workplace issues.

Dress for Summer Success
Here come the dog days of summer, and you're stuck on the job.
Your manager is off to Martha's Vineyard, and you're left
minding the store. Now's the time to kick back and dress
down......or is it? Don't let your summer wardrobe land you in
the doghouse.